Prune Butter Food

HOW TO MAKE LEKVAR (PRUNE BUTTER)

Steps:

• In a small pot, add the prunes and water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the water boils, turn the heat down and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to soften the prunes. Using a strainer or a slotted spoon, remove the prunes and place them in a mixing bowl or a mini food processor, reserving the prune water.
• Place the prunes, orange zest and juice, sugar and 2 teaspoons of the reserved prune water in the bowl of a mini food processor. Pulse until mostly smooth - a few pieces of prune are ok. If using a hand blender or potato masher, put all ingredients in a bowl and proceed to blend. Taste for flavor and notice the texture. If it seems too thick to use easily, add the third teaspoon of the prune water.
• If using nuts, place the mixture in a bowl and mix in nuts. Add about half and see how you like the texture. Use the rest if you want a nuttier result.

LEKVAR (PRUNE FILLING OR PRUNE BUTTER)

Steps:

• 1. Combine everything into a saucepan (except brown sugar) and cook on low heat, stirring every few minutes. Heat to boiling.
• 2. Lower heat to simmer, cover pan and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every few mins.
• 3. Remove lip from pan and add brown sugar. Cook, reducing liquid and stirring every few minutes. Be sure not to scorch. Mash with a wooden spoon until prunes are soft and broken up and mixture is thick until the consistency is like oatmeal (about 20 more minutes so be patient). It will thicken more when cooled.

BAKER'S PRUNE BUTTER (SUBSTITUTE FOR OIL IN CHOCOLATE CAKES)

Steps:

• Pour boiling water over tea bags and steep for 5 minutes, discard bags.
• Combine tea and prunes in a medium saucepan.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat, cover and boil gently for 5 minutes or until prunes are softened.
• Remove from heat and puree mixture in a food processor until smooth.
• Return prune mixture to saucepan, add sugar and lemon rind, and boil gently, uncovered for 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and stir into vanilla.